HALF-WAY ACROSS

Southland Times, Issue 21090, 23 May 1930, Page 7

HALF-WAY ACROSS

GERMAN DIRIGIBLE AIRSHIP HEADED FOR BRAZIL FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS (United Fress Assn. —By Telegraph—Copyright.) New York, May 21. A message from St. Vincent states that the Zeppelin passed over Ilha do Sal, the north-eastern island of the Cape Verde group, at 11.30 this morning (New York time). The ship had then covered approximately half of the distance from Seville to Pernambuco (Brazil) leaving less than 2,000 miles to go. A radiogram sent by Dr. Eckener at seven this morning (New York time) reported that the trade winds upon which the dirigible was depending for aid seemed to be “suffering from old age.” The airship was then approaching the Cape Verde islands. A report from Rio de Janeiro states that Dr. Eckener radioed to Recife (Brazil), which is Pernambuco’s seaport, that he expects to arrive there at 6 a.m. on Thursday, halting for four hours before proceeding to Rio de Janeiro. In Pernambuco great excitement, centring at the Giquia aerodrome, is rising with the Zeppelin’s approach. Hotels and other accommodation houses are jammed. 'Die weather is improving with a good visibility. The Graf Zeppelin is now averaging 65 miles an hour in good weather. STEADY PROGRESS PASSENGERS FEELING HEAT. (Rec. 7 p.m.) New York, May 21. The Graf Zeppelin reported at 6.38 p.m. (New York standard time) that her position at 3.30 p.m. (New York standard time) had been latitude 11.49 north, longitude 25.25 west. It is therefore concluded that the dirigible is now well over threequarters of the way across the sea. The crossing continues to be comfortable with the exception of the discomfort of intense heat, which caused considerable loss of water. The passengers are confining themselves to sponge baths of Cologne water.